When you arrive at Grote Markt in Haarlem, you will not miss the imposing City Hall building, across from the big church, the Grote Kerk or St.-Bavokerk.
It was originally a count’s hunting mansion built in 1250. After large fires in 1347 and 1351, William II, Count of Holland donated the remains of the castle to the city. The building was rebuilt around 1370 and has been used as a town hall since 1388.
The Haarlem city hall complex actually consists of large number of building parts from different periods. The oldest part of the foundation can be traced back to 1100. But the oldest section is a huge entrance hall known as the Gravenzaal (translation: Count’s Hall) built around 1370. It is located on the left side of the rectangular building, up the double fronted stairs with iron balustrade to the red main door.
The Gravenzaal is famous. It is the most expensive wedding location in Haarlem!
Imagine yourself making the grand entrance at the Renaissance style City Hall, ascending the gallery staircase with a view of the Grote Markt. Your elegant wedding reception in the historic hall where natural lights radiate the room through the colorful 17th century stained glass windows. An extraordinary belfry tower clock made in 1907 promising the future, while the portraits of the Counts from the Middle Ages bear witnessed to your marriage ceremony beneath the beautiful handcrafted chandeliers. Not forgetting a Whale’s Jawbone hanging in the center of the room, brought back from Nova Zembla in 1595, is blessing your party.
It is one of a kind venue in Haarlem!
Such a fairytale wedding affair will set you back €968 on weekdays or €1235 on Saturdays (May to September). Worth it?
📍Grote Markt 2.